ephedrine

noun

ephed·​rine i-ˈfe-drən How to pronounce ephedrine (audio)
 British also  ˈe-fə-drən
: a crystalline alkaloid C10H15NO extracted from a Chinese ephedra (Ephedra sinica) or synthesized that has the physiological action of epinephrine and is usually used in the form of its hydrochloride or sulfate as a bronchodilator, nasal decongestant, and vasopressor see ma huang, pseudoephedrine

Examples of ephedrine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
He and his brother, Ovidio Guzman Lopez, are believed to have inherited relationships and narcotics proceeds after one of their brother’s death, leading them to invest in marijuana, cocaine and ephedrine from Mexico, Colombia and Argentina, according to the Justice Department. Nicole Chavez, CNN, 27 July 2024 They were also found to contain compounds including caffeine, ephedrine and kratom. Akshay Syal, M.d., NBC News, 18 July 2024 Additionally, the tests revealed lower levels of Valium, marijuana and ephedrine present at the time of his death. Lynsey Eidell, Peoplemag, 31 Oct. 2023 During the 1994 World Cup, Maradona played in just two games before doping tests found ephedrine in his urine sample. Lewis Kamb, NBC News, 27 Oct. 2023 See all Example Sentences for ephedrine 

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Ephedra

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ephedrine was in 1889

Dictionary Entries Near ephedrine

Cite this Entry

“Ephedrine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ephedrine. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

ephedrine

noun
ephed·​rine i-ˈfed-rən How to pronounce ephedrine (audio)
: a basic substance obtained from Chinese woody plants or made artificially and used as a salt in relieving hay fever, asthma, and nasal congestion

Medical Definition

ephedrine

noun
ephed·​rine
i-ˈfed-rən, British also ˈef-ə-drən
: a crystalline alkaloid C10H15NO extracted from a Chinese ephedra (Ephedra sinica) or synthesized that has the physiological action of epinephrine and is usually used in the form of its hydrochloride C10H15NO·HCl or sulfate (C10H15NO)2·H2SO4 as a bronchodilator, nasal decongestant, and vasopressor see ephedra sense 2, pseudoephedrine

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